FOOD INFLATION IN INDIA
How Trump and Republicans lost the 2026 midterm elections, according to The AP Voter Poll
Voters are showing signs of exhaustion towards Donald Trump, affecting Republican candidates' performances in recent elections. Many voters are dissatisfied with the Republican Party's handling of inflation and government corruption issues. Trump's endorsements of candidates perceived as flawed also contributed to the Republican losses during the elections. Voters are demanding more accountability and oversight from Congress, seeking necessary changes in representation.
Middle class spending boom in India comes with growing debt bill
Consumer borrowing in India has surged significantly as access to credit has expanded across the population. Individuals like Navjot Singh illustrate the financial burdens incurred from loans that have become widespread among the populace. As interest rates increase, many consumers face a heightened risk of default on their debts. Reports show that borrowing against gold and informal loans has also intensified in recent years.
Drought threatens India's 20% ethanol blending target as food takes priority
India faces a significant challenge in its ethanol production due to the lowest monsoon rainfall experienced in over a decade. This situation has prompted New Delhi to prioritize food security over its ethanol blending targets. Estimates suggest that the ethanol blending ratio may decrease this supply year from 20% to around 15%. Producers are being squeezed by increased corn prices and reduced purchasing prices for ethanol.
India may reimpose broken rice export restrictions as prices cross $360 per tonne: IREF
India may reimpose restrictions on exports of 100% broken rice as international prices cross $360 per tonne and domestic demand from ethanol manufacturers and poultry-feed producers increases, the Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF) has warned. No fresh curbs have been announced so far.
No water to sow, no respite at the grocery store: India's prolonged food inflation worry
Indian farmers face challenges in sowing winter crops amid dwindling water supplies from a weak monsoon. Amarsingh Gushinge's village experiences a significant rainfall deficit, impacting crop planting decisions. Food inflation could worsen as key staples see rising prices, aggravating the economic strain on households. The Reserve Bank of India may respond with interest rate hikes to combat rising inflationary pressures.
Marico profit jumps 31%, flags rising input costs amid West Asia woes
Marico has reported a 13% increase in consolidated revenue, driven by strong volume growth in India and international markets. The company highlighted challenges from rising input costs due to geopolitical tensions and adverse weather circumstances. Managing director Saugata Gupta expressed awareness of potential inflation effects, especially in rural areas. Marico aims for mid-20% EBITDA growth by FY27 and expects annual revenue to exceed ₹15,000 crore.
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ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check
ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.
Marico Q2 Results: Net profit jumps 31% YoY to Rs 550 crore, revenue rises 12%
Marico reported a 31% YoY rise in Q2FY27 net profit to Rs 550 crore, while revenue grew 12% to Rs 3,897 crore. EBITDA increased 27%, margins expanded to 18.2%, and management expects double-digit growth during FY27.
Pizza Hut, KFC India operator's Q2 loss naarrows sharply on strong same-store sales growth
Devyani International, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut in India, has recorded a significant reduction in losses during its second quarter. For the third straight quarter, same-store sales for KFC increased by 4.4%. With revenues climbing by 10.4% to 15.19 billion rupees and expenses only rising 8.3%, Chairman Ravi Jaipuria emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by inflation and increasing interest rates.
McDonald’s supersizes its north and east India bet to $80 million, even as rising costs squeeze profit
McDonald's India is increasing its investment to approximately $80 million for growth and digitisation over the next two years. Surge in consumer demand and increased competition is prompting expansion. Despite the challenging environment due to inflation, the company aims for profitability while maintaining value for customers. McDonald's India's north and east division expects to achieve revenues of ₹2,000 crore by FY27.
India’s consumers are back, its stocks aren’t: Srinivasan Sivabalan
Amid the vibrant festive season in India, consumer demand is soaring, prompting businesses to boost sales and raise prices accordingly. However, rising costs are pressuring profit margins, causing a decline in investor confidence. The stock market struggles to reflect the upbeat consumer activity, signaling a potential need for a resolution to the Iran war and governmental intervention to promote stability.
Good intentions, unintended consequences: The cost of regulation
Regulation is vital for protecting consumers and building trust, but unpredictable or poorly calibrated policy changes can disrupt business economics, valuations and investment.
Gurgaon man pays Rs 20,000 rent, takes bike trips to mountains, says Rs 30 lakhs a year is enough; blames people for spending too much
A LinkedIn post questioning whether Rs 30–50 lakh a year is enough to live in Gurgaon has sparked a debate. The author recalled paying Rs 20,000 in rent and spending Rs 20,000 on food while cooking himself. He blamed lifestyle inflation, expensive purchases and social pressure for rising financial expectations.
Varun Beverages Q3 net profit rises 13% YoY, but margins fall
Varun Beverages recorded a substantial net profit increase of 13.5% for the quarter ending September 2026. Although there was strong revenue growth attributed to both local and international sales, the company's shares dropped because of shrinking operating margins. Challenges arose from heightened packaging costs and sugar price surges affecting gross margins. Additionally, Varun Beverages solidified its partnership with PepsiCo, extending their licensing agreement through 2049.
Biggest threat to middle-class is not layoffs, market crash or inflation: Gujarat CA reveals one thing quietly making all three worse
A chartered accountant has warned that biggets threat to middle class in the next few year is not layoffs, market crash or inflation. He has said that excessive lifestyle EMIs could become a major financial threat to India's middle class. From smartphones and holidays to personal loans, rising monthly repayments can leave households vulnerable to layoffs, market crashes and inflation.
Global FMCG giants find an Indian answer to their Western slowdown
Global consumer giants including PepsiCo, Nestle, Unilever, Pernod Ricard and Coca-Cola are increasingly looking to India for growth as demand slows in the US and Europe. Companies are betting on premiumisation, wider distribution and fast-growing channels such as ecommerce and quick commerce, with several reporting stronger momentum in India than in developed markets.
Finmin pegs Q2 expansion at 7.35%,flags capital pressure over US yield
India’s economy is estimated to have grown 7.35% in the September quarter, supported by strong industrial output, GST collections, energy use, port traffic and auto sales, the finance ministry said. It expects domestic demand and investment to sustain momentum, while warning that high crude prices, food inflation, rupee pressure and elevated US bond yields could pose risks in the second half.
IMF flags Super El Niño risks to India’s growth, says impact yet to materialise
According to the IMF, India continues to act as a significant growth engine within the global economy. Despite looming threats posed by weather phenomena like Super El Nino, these risks have yet to materialize. Recent adjustments have raised growth forecasts to 7 percent for the fiscal years 2027 and 2028, reflecting robust domestic demand and a thriving service sector.
Finance ministry estimates India’s Q2 FY27 GDP growth at 7.35%
The finance ministry’s nowcasting model estimates India’s GDP will grow 7.35% in Q2 FY27, following 7.8% growth in the previous quarter, supported by stronger industrial output, energy consumption, port traffic, GST collections and automobile sales.
HUL sales rise 15% to hit 14-quarter high, but inflation clouds demand outlook
Hindustan Unilever posted a turnover of ₹18,071 crore for the September quarter, highlighting a 15% rise. Even with a price increase of 7.5%, the company's volume growth remained stable at 7%. Homecare emerged as the standout performer, boasting a robust 22% sales growth. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation climbed to ₹4,089 crore, an 8% boost. However, ongoing inflation and wage issues in rural sectors pose significant challenges.
Brands need to shift to ‘Bharat-first’ strategy as digital usage grows
To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.
World Bank sounds alarm on food crisis as energy shock and El Nino push commodity prices up 23%
Global commodity prices are projected to rise significantly in 2026, driven by conflict in the Middle East and supply disruptions. Energy prices are likely to escalate by 32% due to decreased oil supply and increased consumption. Food prices are expected to increase about 10% in 2026 due to rising farm costs and disrupted grain shipments. The World Bank emphasizes the urgency of supporting vulnerable countries facing economic hardships.
Hindustan Unilever Limited backs FSSAI labelling norms for food products high in fat, salt and sugar
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has expressed support for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed food labelling requirements. These requirements aim to enhance transparency for consumers regarding nutrition information. Managing Director Priya Nair emphasised that HUL is well prepared to comply with these regulations. The planned front-of-pack nutrition labelling will alert consumers about high levels of sugar, salt, or fat.
HUL Q2 Results: Net profit rises 4% YoY to Rs 2,790 crore; Rs 19/share dividend declared
HUL Q2 Results: Hindustan Unilever reported a 4% year-on-year rise in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 2,790 crore, while revenue grew 15% to Rs 18,226 crore. The FMCG major declared an interim dividend of Rs 19 per share and expects performance to improve in FY27, though near-term commodity inflation remains a concern.
Hindustan Unilever looks to stronger FY27, but commodity inflation threatens to squeeze margins
Hindustan Unilever expects commodity inflation to continue impacting margins in the near term. The company anticipates better growth in FY27 due to strategic portfolio and channel transformations. In its recent financial result, HUL reported a 15% underlying sales growth and an 8% increase in EBITDA. The Home Care and Beauty segments led the growth with double-digit increases in sales and volume.
Tata consumer Q2 net profit up despite higher costs, weak tea demand
Tata Consumer Products encountered unchanged tea volumes and decreasing revenue in the September quarter as weak demand and surging commodity costs took their toll. To counter this, the company emphasized its salt business, which saw significant revenue increases driven by volume growth and price hikes. Meanwhile, international revenue held steady despite challenges in the UK market caused by weather issues.
Lahori Zeera maker to operate on an asset-light model, eyes next growth driver
Archian Foods is transitioning to an asset-light business model to drive its future growth. The company plans to collaborate with co-bottling partners without seeking further funding. Archian is also exploring a second hero product to complement its main offering, Lahori Zeera. The firm faces ongoing cost pressures while maintaining competitive pricing in the market. India's ready-to-drink beverage market is projected to significantly expand over the next decade.
RBI flags rising inflation risks from West Asia conflict, El Nino despite resilient Indian economy
India's external sector shows resilience due to a narrowing trade gap and comfortable foreign exchange reserves. Inflationary pressures have intensified due to geopolitical tensions and supply-side bottlenecks. The RBI reported an increase in both industry and services indicators, showcasing economic strength. The IMF has revised India's growth projection for 2026-27 to 7% based on resilient domestic demand. Global financial volatility has increased amid global challenges and rising inflation risks.
India's a call-out market, but there's room to grow: Nestle
Nestle SA reports that 37% of urban households in India purchase Maggi noodles monthly. The instant noodles segment is outpacing overall food sector growth in the country. Nestle is investing in its Maggi and KitKat brands as they capture consumer preferences for convenience and diversity. Despite a revenue increase, food inflation remains a significant concern for the company. Regulatory scrutiny on Nestle India's labeling practices has also emerged recently.
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